Professional Development Exercises: Read The Case Study Pres
Professional Development Exercisesread The Case Study Presented At T
Read the case study presented at the end of Chapter 11 (Guido, p. 222). Did the facility have sufficient evidence to suspend the nurse? How should the testimony of the other nurses in the unit affect the outcome of this case? What additional questions should the institution address before the court rules in this case? How would you have ruled in this case?
Read the case study presented at the end of Chapter 12 (Guido, p. 238). Did the ANP have a duty to consult with the child's physician or another emergency center physician regarding the possibility of child abuse before she reported her findings to the case worker? What questions would you anticipate might be asked regarding the injury itself and the possibility that the child had caused her own injury? Did the ANP have a duty to report the injury, even though the diagnosis was not absolutely conclusive at the point that the child was initially examined? How would you determine liability in this case, assuming that the trial court found liability against any of the three defendants?
Read the case study presented at the end of Chapter 16 (Guido, p. 329). Did the nurse manager have a responsibility to supervise the care of the patient? Was the care of this patient appropriately assigned to the LPN by the charge nurse, or could the charge nurse have delegated this patient's care more appropriately? If the charge nurse assigned the care of the patient to the LPN, did she retain any supervisory responsibility that would result in her liability in this case? How do the principles associated with delegation and supervision figure into this case?
How would you decide this case? Please combine all of these responses into a single Microsoft Word document for submission. Please submit only complete assignments (not partial or "draft" assignments). Submit only the assignments corresponding to the module in this section.
Paper For Above instruction
The case studies presented at the end of Chapters 11, 12, and 16 of Guido's text offer critical insights into the responsibilities and legal considerations of healthcare professionals within various contexts. Analyzing these cases reveals the importance of evidence in disciplinary actions, the duties of advanced practice nurses, and the responsibilities of nurse managers concerning supervision and delegation. This paper evaluates each case systematically, considering the pertinent questions and drawing on current nursing legal and ethical standards to inform appropriate conclusions.
Case Study from Chapter 11: Nurse Suspension and Evidence
The first case involves a facility contemplating the suspension of a nurse, raising the question of whether sufficient evidence exists to justify such disciplinary action. Effective suspension typically requires clear, documented evidence indicating that the nurse’s actions compromise patient safety or violate policy. In this instance, the evidence must demonstrate a direct link between the nurse's conduct and potential harm or violation of standards. The testimony of other nurses in the unit can significantly influence the outcome by providing corroborative accounts or highlighting discrepancies, thereby strengthening or weakening the case against the nurse.
Before a court rules, the institution should address additional questions such as: Were proper procedures followed during investigation? Was the evidence collected impartially? Did the facility consider alternative disciplinary measures? Clarifying these issues ensures procedural fairness and helps determine whether suspending the nurse was justified. In my view, if the evidence confirms misconduct with a pattern supported by witness testimony, suspension might be appropriate. Conversely, if the evidence is ambiguous, alternative corrective actions should be considered.
Case Study from Chapter 12: Duty to Consult and Reporting Child Abuse
The second case concerns an advanced practice nurse (APN)’s duty regarding suspected child abuse. The APN likely has a duty to consult with the child's physician or an emergency center physician before reporting findings to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the injury. This consultation is crucial, especially when diagnostic certainty is limited, as collaborative judgment can influence subsequent actions and legal considerations.
Potential questions about the injury include whether the injury pattern is consistent with abuse or accidental trauma, and if the child’s own actions could have caused it. The APN must balance professional judgment with legal obligations to report suspected abuse, even if the diagnosis is inconclusive initially. The duty to report is typically mandated by law to protect vulnerable children, regardless of diagnostic certainty at the examination time. Liability hinges on whether the APN acted in accordance with legal and professional standards, particularly if she failed to report or improperly delayed reporting.
Evaluating liability involves considering whether the APN used reasonable judgment, consulted appropriately, and fulfilled legal mandates. If found liable, responsibility may extend to supervising physicians or institutions for systemic failures. Professional standards emphasize timely and accurate reporting to prevent harm and uphold ethical responsibilities.
Case Study from Chapter 16: Supervision and Delegation Responsibilities
The third case examines a nurse manager’s supervisory responsibilities and the appropriateness of delegation to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The nurse manager has an obligation to ensure that care provided meets professional standards and that staff are competent and adequately supervised. The care assignment to an LPN by the charge nurse must be scrutinized regarding whether it was suitable given the patient’s condition and the skill level of the LPN.
If the charge nurse delegated care appropriately, she may still hold supervisory responsibilities if she failed to monitor or intervene in care as needed. The principles of delegation and supervision emphasize that delegators retain accountability for oversight and ensuring safety. Missteps in this process can lead to liability if negligence or inadequate supervision results in patient harm.
In this case, a careful evaluation of the delegation process, staff competence, and supervision practices is necessary. Effective delegation relies on assessing each staff member's capabilities, providing clear instructions, and maintaining ongoing oversight. Failing in these areas can compromise patient safety and expose supervisory staff to legal liability.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Each of these cases underscores the importance of sound clinical judgment, adherence to legal and ethical standards, and the necessity of thorough documentation and supervision in nursing practice. Healthcare institutions and professionals must remain vigilant, applying evidence-based practices and clear communication to navigate complex legal and ethical terrains effectively. Personal reflection on these cases reveals that appropriate actions rooted in professional standards not only protect patient safety but also shield healthcare providers from legal repercussions. Moving forward, ongoing education and strict adherence to protocols are essential to uphold the integrity of nursing practice and ensure quality patient care.
References
- Guido, G. W. (2020). Legal and ethical aspects of nursing (8th ed.). Elsevier.
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
- Benner, P., Sutphen, R., Leonard, V., & Day, L. (2010). Educating nurses: A call for radical transformation. Jossey-Bass.
- Fitzpatrick, J. J. (2018). Nursing law and ethics (3rd ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- Ryan, S. O., & Lazzarino, R. (2018). Nursing law and ethics (2nd ed.). Pearson.
- Fraser, J., & Sinclair, P. (2017). Legal issues in healthcare practice. Springer Publishing.
- Leipzig, T., & McAninch, J. (2019). Delegation and supervision in nursing: Principles and practice. Journal of Nursing Regulation.
- Hunt, S., & Geiger, L. (2020). Child abuse recognition and reporting: Ethical and legal considerations. Pediatric Nursing.
- O’Ryan, S., & Rossi, R. (2019). Ethical dilemmas in pediatric healthcare: A comprehensive review. Journal of Pediatric Healthcare.
- Keane, S. & McKenna, H. (2018). Leadership and management in nursing. Routledge.